One of the largest and most famous cruise ships that has ever been built, the Queen Mary 2, has now been moved to Australia. The ship is suppose to stay in Australia throughout 2012 and is expected to generate some $10 million for the local economy.

Cunard Line announced that the Queen Mary 2 will visit five states and the Northern Territory next year. The ship will sail from Cap Town to Sydney via Fremantle and Adelaide. It will stop at eight Australian ports, which does includes Adelaide, Fremantle and Sydney, among others.

Australians are going to be able to choose from three circumnavigation options starting next February. This includes a 22 night voyage departing Sydney, a 20 night voyage departing Fremantle, and a 21 night voyage departing Adelaide. Fremantle, Adelaide and Sydney will each enjoy two visits from the liner during her 28 days in Australian waters.

Ann Sherry, the Carnival Australia chief executive, said that the decision was a sign of confidence in the Australian cruise market. She said that this one decision will generate at least $10 million for the Australian economy, as the local cruise industry remains on track to contribute more than $3 billion and carry one million Australians annually by 2020.

The Cunard President and managing director, Peter Shanks, said that he expects very strong demand for the voyage from Australian and international markets. The Royal Circumnavigation will not go on sale until mid-2010 to allow the final itinerary details to be finalized with the various port authorities around the country. The company will be taking expressions of interest come this Friday.